supersensory awareness and miracles, the uncommon path of emptiness and
compassion, the development and completion stages of visualization and
recitation, and channels, energy, and seed-essence, or the path of the two phases of
Dzogchen—all rely on shamata.
Shantideva says in Entering the Bodhisattva Way,
Knowing that shamata subsumes vipasyana,
Emotional afflictions are completely eliminated.
First, seek shamata.In Applying the Mahayana Method, Rongzompa says,
For those who are unable to remain in the natural state that is the great
perfection, we teach the mode of striving. Even though they practice that
graduated, progressive mode, their view is still based in Dzogchen.Dzogchen is the ultimate teaching, as it heals all the diseases that afflict us. On the
many paths that require effort, the highway to liberation teaches the concentration
that includes the eight volitional antidotes that alleviate the five faults, which I
discuss next.
2.12 THE FIVE FAULTS THAT HINDER CONCENTRATION
The five faults that hinder concentration are laziness, forgetfulness of instruction,
sinking and agitation, failing to apply antidotes, and overintensive application of
antidotes.
Laziness: When it is time to meditate, we feel tired in body and mind and decide to
procrastinate. The dualistic mind that always lingers on external objects fools us
by its very structure. Meditation contradicts its purpose, so when meditation comes
to mind, lethargy is the response. Lack of interest in meditation is laziness.
Forgetting the instructions: When we cannot remember the instructions about
posture, and shamata and vipasyana that were taught by the lama, we are at a loss
as to how to meditate. This is forgetting the instructions, and together with
laziness, it obstructs meditation at the outset.
Sinking and agitation: These two obstruct meditation in its process. “Sinking”
means that the mind is losing energy and feeling sleepy and dull because it is
engulfed by the murkiness of consciousness. “Agitation” describes that state in
which the mind, like a drifting feather, will not stay in the place where we put it.
Failing to apply antidotes: If we forget to apply the antidotes to sinking and
agitation and fall under their influence, we cannot engage in concentration.
Overintensive application of antidotes: Here, even though the mind is free of